THE RISKS ARE THERE: PROTECT YOURSELF

Sexuality is part and parcel of being human. Acquiring the knowledge required to experience it fully and safely is a health priority. The exponential rise in Spain of sexually transmitted infections indicates that society is not aware of the risks and reliable information concerning methods of prevention and sexual health is therefore needed.

Sex is a physiological need, just like food and rest. This need has been conditioned throughout history by sociocultural beliefs. Today, a growing body of research has highlighted the benefits associated with sex and has investigated its key role for human beings from different perspectives and fields.

Changing times have brought changes in forms of relationship and experi- ences on the sexual level. A literature review by Patricia A. R. in 2022 found that young people begin to access pornography from the age of twelve.

Consumption of such content leads to a range of consequences such as sexism, violence, substance-taking, reduction in sexual satisfaction, reinforcement of gender stereotypes and distorted views of sexuality.

The exponential growth in sexually transmitted infections (STI) in recent years has set alarm bells ringing and highlighted the need to invest time and resources in the provision of appropriate sex and relationship education in order to empower society, particularly young people, with regard to sexuality and thus combat adverse influences as well as ignorance on the part of the general public.

Knowledge enables us to live our sexuality fully and safely. Prohibition, stigmatisation, taboos and denial are obstacles to good sexual health.

In bygone days, the majority of people, particularly women, had one or two sexual partners during their lifetime but that is rarely the case in today’s society.

A recent study by the University of Birmingham showed that persons with six or more sexual partners during their lifetime are 8.5 times more likely to suffer throat cancer than those who do not engage in oral sex.

The problem lies in the lack of social awareness of the risks and the non-use of methods of prevention

It is not just a matter of the type of sex practised. The problem lies in the lack of social awareness of the risks involved and the non-use of methods of prevention such as condoms to avoid infection. It is worth noting, however, that while these methods do reduce the risk considerably, they do not eliminate it 100%.

aspects such as sugar and cholesterol levels, we also need to introduce screening for STIs in our health services for those who are sexually active and have not taken precautions to avoid infection.

These tests should be carried out a minimum of thirty days after the last exposure to risk, except where we present symptoms that suggest infection.

Samples should be taken from the throat, genitals and anus, depending on our sexual practices, along with a blood sample to test for antibodies for syphilis, HIV or hepatitis B and C. Moreover, it is vital for women to undergo smear testing for cervical cancer from the age of twenty-five.

Returning to the importance of STI screening, it is important to be aware that almost half of people with infections do not present discomfort and it is thanks to the collaboration of those who do present that we can identify sexual contacts at risk. With appropriate testing, these contacts can be diagnosed and treated early if they have been infected.

The reality of the situation, however, is that the social stigma attached to such infections often leads to a reluctance to notify contacts, leading to delays in diagnosis and an increase in the risk of suffering a serious condition.

It is important for everyone who engages in unprotected sex to be aware of the risks involved and undergo screening to allow early detection and avoid future complication such as miscarriages, sterility, arthritis and even dementia.

Just as we realise the need for regular health check-ups and monitoring of

It is your responsibility now to find the quality information needed to be better informed about your sexuality and to protect your health. Are you ready to do so?